App Briefcase - make programs portable [discontinued]
Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:01 pm
I am introducing a new program that allows some non-portable apps to run as portable apps. The program is called App Briefcase and can be found at http://www.appbriefcase.com. I released the first beta version of the program today.
More information is on the web site, but I will provide a little information here as well... App Briefcase does not use custom launchers, wrappers, or scripts. Instead, it manages the registry entries and Windows app data folder files for selected apps. It basically synchronizes the computer's selected registry and app data folders with the data it manages. It can restore the selected registry and app data folders to their original state when it exits. App Briefcase also mounts the USB drive using a consistent drive letter since most non-portable apps don't handle changing drive letters very well. And, App Briefcase provides a customizable, tray based app menu. You don't have to use the menu if you already like PStart, etc, but it's there if you want it.
App Briefcase's main advantage over other solutions is its simplicity of use and its ability to run anywhere (i.e., Win XP, Vista, and 7; both 32 and 64-bit OS; both admin and limited accounts). The main disadvantage is that it works on a smaller percentage of apps than other solutions. In my experience, App Briefcase seems to work pretty well for freeware, but getting payware to successfully run as portable is hit or miss.
I hope some of you will find App Briefcase to be useful. Feedback is welcome, and please report any bugs.
More information is on the web site, but I will provide a little information here as well... App Briefcase does not use custom launchers, wrappers, or scripts. Instead, it manages the registry entries and Windows app data folder files for selected apps. It basically synchronizes the computer's selected registry and app data folders with the data it manages. It can restore the selected registry and app data folders to their original state when it exits. App Briefcase also mounts the USB drive using a consistent drive letter since most non-portable apps don't handle changing drive letters very well. And, App Briefcase provides a customizable, tray based app menu. You don't have to use the menu if you already like PStart, etc, but it's there if you want it.
App Briefcase's main advantage over other solutions is its simplicity of use and its ability to run anywhere (i.e., Win XP, Vista, and 7; both 32 and 64-bit OS; both admin and limited accounts). The main disadvantage is that it works on a smaller percentage of apps than other solutions. In my experience, App Briefcase seems to work pretty well for freeware, but getting payware to successfully run as portable is hit or miss.
I hope some of you will find App Briefcase to be useful. Feedback is welcome, and please report any bugs.